The Base Layer

Winter Weather Gear


07 Dec 06: I am planning a trip to Moldova with CERI in January 2007 to visit some of the orphans in that Eastern European country. As it will be the dead of winter when I arrive, provision must be made for the extreme cold expected.

My gear begins with the base layer designed for maximum protection in harsh cold weather conditions. This is a "polar" weight.


Features
Jeans, Socks and BootsBlue jeans, thermal socks and boots are then applied. The jeans have a cotton shell, a polyester lining and are much larger than what I normally wear. But the larger size is necessary, as you'll see in the following pics.

Features

Serious snow boots, waterproof lining and leather.
The wool socks are designed to pull water
and sweat away from your foot.
ShirtA heavy, lumberjack type shirt forms layer two. The outer shell is 100% cotton and the lining is 100% polyester. The goal is to block the wind and remove moisture from the skin.
JacketA jacket goes over the shirt as layer three. Shell 1 is 100% polyester and Shell 2 is 100% nylon. The sleeves of the jacket are adjustable at the wrist, to deny the wind any access to my arms.
Gore-Tex® gloves follow. Like other elements, these items have the ability to pull water and moisture away from the skin and then push it to the outside. The gloves are constructed of the following materials:
  • Shell: 81% nylon and 19% Lycra® Spandex
  • Lining: 59% Polyester and 41% Nylon
  • Thinsulate™: 65% Olefin and 35% Polyester


    • And if all of this is not enough, I will also carry glove liners with me to Moldova to provide even more protection

    Keeping skin dry is a key to staying warm, which is why cotton must never come direct contact with your skin in a cold environment. Cotton holds water.
    		Gloves
    The Polar ParkaThe all consuming Parka is layer four. A hat is installed as well. But this is no ordinary hat, as the tag below indicates.

    The Artic Beenie
    Hans Solo?...do I remind you of Hans Solo on The Empire Strikes Back on the planet Hoth? There are many draw strings and adjustments available on this garmet. As you can see, I have not discovered all of the options. Getting into a car in this garb is not trivial, which is why I am doing several test fits between now and January.
    Gore-Tex is a registered trademark of Gore-Tex. Lycra is a registered trademark of Invista.
    Thinsulate is a trademark of 3M. Heatgear is a registered trademark of Under Armor
    Copyright 2006 by Jerry D. Kline. All rights reserved.